Research Scientist ; Health Services Research

Research Scientist 2

OPWDD's Division of State Operations (DSO) oversees the delivery of state-operated supports and services to over 8,000 individuals across New York State. The Research Scientist 2 position is located within DSO's Bureau of Business Analytics and Research, which oversees the Division's activities involving operational research, program evaluation, and data analytics. The Bureau consists of three units: (1) Enterprise Software Solutions, (2) Application Development, and (3) Data, Statistics, and Operational Research.

The incumbent will be assigned to the third unit, which is responsible for conducting data-driven research to inform policy and practice, maintaining reporting systems, and developing new analytic and research tools. The Research Scientist 2 will perform work that bridges data analytics with applied research, contributing directly to the Division's core mission of improving services and outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting the development of a comprehensive EHR (Electronic Health Record) Data Mart by defining data requirements and ensuring data structures meet research and analytic needs.
• Designing and executing data validation studies to ensure the integrity of research datasets.
• Extracting and analyzing data from complex administrative systems (e.g., electronic health record, tracking and billing) to identify trends, evaluate program outcomes, and inform operational decisions.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including IT and operations staff, to translate research findings into actionable recommendations.
• Preparing data visualizations and dashboards to communicate results in accessible, policy-relevant formats.
• Contributing to applied and original research under the general direction of senior research staff. Projects will be moderate in scope and demonstrate sound scientific judgment in the selection of research methods and analytical techniques. Statistical models will test hypotheses relevant to service delivery, health outcomes, and quality improvement.
• Summarizing research findings for research reports, manuscripts, and technical briefs aimed at internal and external audiences.
• Disseminating findings through presentations and publications.

This position may be located at 44 Holland Avenue, Albany or 500 Balltown Road, Schenectady.

Bachelor's degree and three years of professional research experience in the area(s) of public health, psychology, social welfare, sociology, computer science, statistics, or another related field. Substitutions:
Master's degree in an appropriate field may substitute for one year of experience, and Ph.D. in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience conducting applied research in a public health or human services setting. Strong statistical and data management skills with demonstrated experience using SAS and/or SPSS to manage and analyze large administrative data sets. Familiarity with data visualization software such as Tableau. Experience designing and conducting quantitative and qualitative research studies and preparing manuscripts, technical reports, or presentations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.